Air Transat to Suspend Flights as Pilots Union Threatens Strike
Air Transat, the Montreal-based airline known for its vacation packages, has announced that it will begin suspending flights starting Monday. This follows a strike notice issued by its pilots' union, which is set to take effect by Wednesday morning. The airline and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have been in negotiations since last winter, but have yet to reach an agreement. As a result, both parties are now in legal strike or lockout positions, with the looming possibility of a complete shutdown.
The airline expressed disappointment at the union’s decision to issue a strike notice so close to the busy holiday season, labeling it as premature. Despite this, Air Transat remains hopeful that an agreement can still be reached. Julie Lamontagne, the airline's Chief Human Resources Officer, stated that the priority now is to take care of customers while continuing to work towards a negotiated deal.
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The dispute has largely centered around the issue of pay and working conditions. The pilots' union, which represents approximately 750 Air Transat pilots, has criticized the airline’s management for unproductive bargaining. Bradley Small, a union executive, emphasized that no pilot wants to strike, but the airline has left them with no choice. The pilots are seeking better pay and improved working conditions. The previous contract, signed in 2015, is now out of date, and the union is hoping to secure terms similar to those agreed upon by Air Canada pilots, who received a 42% pay increase over four years in their latest contract.
In response, Air Transat has offered pilots a 59% pay increase over five years, along with significant improvements to their working conditions. However, the pilots have yet to accept this offer, feeling it doesn’t go far enough. There is still time for both sides to reach a resolution before the planned strike takes effect, but unless substantial progress is made in negotiations, the pilots have made it clear that they will strike if necessary to achieve a fair contract.
The airline’s financial situation has added pressure to these negotiations. Air Transat has been struggling with losses in recent years, including a reported $114 million loss in 2024. The company is also dealing with substantial debt, much of it stemming from a taxpayer bailout during the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of this, the airline is facing a challenge from investor Pierre Karl Péladeau, who has been advocating for changes to the company’s board due to concerns over its financial and operational performance.
As the situation unfolds, many passengers are concerned about potential disruptions, especially during the peak travel season. Air Transat's plans to suspend flights in advance are meant to avoid further chaos and ensure that passengers are not stranded mid-trip. However, with flights to popular destinations in Europe and the Caribbean already scheduled for the coming days, the risk of stranded travelers remains a major concern. It is clear that a resolution is urgently needed, and all eyes are on the negotiations to see whether Air Transat and its pilots can come to an agreement before the planned work stoppage.
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